Speed loader for large caliber multi-shot weapon

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine for holding cartridges, such as the magazine of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge receptacle disposed between a retention wheel and a knob. The knob is rotatably attached to the cartridge receptacle and fastened to the retention wheel. The knob has a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel. In the unlocked position, the cartridges are released from the retention wheel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/704,744 filed Sep. 24, 2012 entitled “Speed loader for large caliber multi-shot weapon,” inventors David G. Kent, James W. Teetzel, and Mark J. Celona. The foregoing provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to man-portable, large caliber multi-shot weapons and, more particularly, to a speed loader which provides fast and reliable loading of ammunition rounds. Although the present invention will be described herein primarily by way of reference to a speed loader for a grenade launcher, it will be recognized that the present invention herein can be adapted for use with all manner of weapons and projectiles, including without limitation anti-riot rounds, less than lethal rounds, flares, pyrotechnics, tear gas or like irritant canisters, and the like.

Large-caliber, multi-shot weapons employing a revolver-style magazine are generally known, such as the Milkor Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL). These weapons offer an advantage over traditional single-shot weapons in that multiple rounds can rapidly be brought to bear on a target. However, the rounds must be manually loaded into the chambers 164 of the magazine 162 of a weapon 160 one at a time, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a time consuming process. Because time is of the essence in military, combat, law enforcement and like situations, it would be desirable to provide a loading device for large caliber weapon that substantially reduces the time required for a user to load rounds into the weapon. Although speed loader devices exist for small-caliber firearm revolvers, there still exists a need for a speed loader for the rapid loading and reloading of multi-shot grenade launchers and other large-caliber multi-shot weapons.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are provided for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine for holding cartridges.

An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The apparatus includes a cartridge receptacle having cavities for accommodating the plurality of cartridges such that the cavities surround a central area. A retention wheel has a shaft extending from the rearward facing side of the wheel and inserted through an opening in the central area, wherein the shaft defines an axis for rotation of the wheel. A knob is rotatably attached to the rearward facing side of the receptacle by a fastener engaging the shaft, such that the knob is movable and has a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel, and in the unlocked position, the cartridges are released from the retention wheel. For example, the magazine is a part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon; a machine for shooting flares, tear gas or like irritants, or other projectiles.

In related embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel has a plurality of projections extending radially outward, the projections capable of engaging the plurality of cartridges. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus in which the projections of the shaft are capable of engaging the cartridges through a rim at the base of the cartridge. In other related embodiments, the fastener engages a complementary receptacle on the shaft. For example, the fastener is threaded and is capable of engaging a complementary threaded receptacle in the shaft. In further, more limited embodiments, the end of the shaft engaging with the fastener has a shape that fits into a complementary or keyed receptacle formed on the inward facing surface of the knob.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel is received in the central area of the cartridge receptacle.

In various embodiments of the invention, the knob is notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user's grip while rotating the knob.

In other related embodiments, the cartridge receptacle has an upstanding boss on its rearward facing side, which is received within a like sized cavity on the forward facing side of the knob. For example, the boss has a central opening for receiving the shaft, and a plurality of openings surrounding the central opening.

Other related embodiments of the invention include a plurality of springs, such that each spring has a proximal and a distal end, and is received into one of the plurality of openings in the boss through the proximal end.

Related embodiments of the invention further include a detent attached to the distal end of each spring of the plurality of springs, and, for each spring, a pair of complementary recesses on the knob, the pair comprising first and second complementary recesses corresponding to each detent. For example, in the locked position of the knob each spring detent is received in the first complementary recess and the plurality of projections of the retention wheel engage the plurality of cartridges. Also, for example, in the unlocked position of the knob, each spring detent is received in the second complementary recess and the projections of the retention wheel occupy a position between the cavities of the cartridge receptacle, and are thereby moved out of engagement with the cartridges. In related embodiments, the detents and the complementary recesses are rounded to facilitate the movement of the detents in and out of the recesses.

In a related embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a stopping mechanism for limiting the degree of rotation of the knob relative to the cartridge receptacle, the stopping mechanism having at least one pin on the forward facing side of the knob which runs in a corresponding arcuate groove or channel on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle.

In various embodiments of the invention, the number of cavities in the cartridge receptacle of the apparatus is in the range of 2-12.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cavities of the cartridge receptacle are capable of accommodating cartridges that hold ammunition rounds having a caliber of about 30-40 millimeter, although other caliber ammunition rounds are also contemplated.

Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the apparatus of any of the embodiments above for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The method includes inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cartridge receptacle and turning the knob to a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges with the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.

In related embodiments, turning the knob into the locked position further includes receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in the first complementary recesses provided on the knob. Also, turning the knob into the unlocked position further comprises receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in second complementary recesses provided on the knob.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the method including inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cavities of a cartridge receptacle disposed between a turning knob and a rotating wheel. Each cartridge has a base end and a tip end, the base end leading the tip end during insertion, such that the retention wheel is capable of engaging the base end of the cartridge. The knob is turned to a locked position, thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. In other related embodiment of the invention, engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel includes engaging the rim present at the base end of each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges by one of a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the retention wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary speed loader embodiment, taken generally from the rear.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the embodiment appearing in FIG. 1, taken generally from the front.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken generally from the front and side.

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken generally from the side and rear.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the speed loader embodiment appearing in FIG. 1, with rounds loaded and secured therein.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate the speed loader embodiment of FIG. 1 with a round locked, unlocked, and removed from the speed loader, respectively.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the sequence of steps for loading a magazine of a weapon using the speed loader embodiment appearing in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a photograph illustrating the manual loading of a multi-shot grenade launcher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an exemplary speed loader 100, which includes a cartridge receptacle member A, a retention wheel member B, and a knob member C. As used herein, the terms “front” and “forward” refer to the forward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired and the terms “rear” and “rearward” refer to the rearward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired.

The cartridge receptacle A includes a plurality of cylindrical cavities 102 on the forward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A for receiving the base ends 106 of the grenade cartridges 104 or other projectiles to be fired. In preferred embodiments, the rounds are preferably in the range of 30-40 millimeter caliber rounds, although other round calibers are also contemplated. The depicted embodiment illustrates a speed loader embodiment for use with a Milkor MGL, which has a six round cylinder or magazine. A “magazine” or “cylinder” as used herein refers to a rotating, revolver style cylinder or drum having a number of chambers for receiving munitions cartridges. Although the present invention will be described by way of reference to a six-chamber magazine, it will be recognized that the speed loader herein could be adapted for a weapon magazine having any other number of rounds, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and other numbers of chambers.

The cavities 102 surround a central area 110 receiving the cartridge retention wheel B. The retention wheel B includes a shaft 112 defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of projections 114 extending radially outward therefrom. The shaft 112 extends through a central opening 116 in the cartridge receptacle member A.

The knob C is rotatably attached on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A by a threaded fastener 120 engaging a complementary threaded receptacle 122 on the shaft 112. The distal end of the shaft 124 has a shape that mates with a complementary or keyed receptacle 126 formed on the inward facing surface of the knob C. In this manner, rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle A serves to rotate the retention member B. The knob C may be notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user's grip when manually rotating the knob C.

An upstanding boss 130 on the outward facing surface of the receptacle A is received within a like sized cavity 132 on the inward facing surface of the knob C. The boss 130 includes a central opening 134 receiving the shaft 112 and a plurality of openings 136 for receiving proximal ends of springs 140. A detent 142 is attached to the distal end of each spring 140. Four springs are shown in the illustrated embodiment, although other numbers of springs could be employed.

For each spring biased detent 142 on the boss 130, there is a corresponding pair of complementary recesses 144 a, 144 b. When knob C is turned such that each spring detent 142 is received in the corresponding recess 144 a, the spokes 114 of the retention wheel B engage the rim 108 formed at the base end 106 of the munitions cartridge 104, such that the cartridges 104 will be locked into position within the receptacle A. FIGS. 5 and 6A illustrate the speed loader 100 herein with the spokes 114 engaging the rims 108 of the munitions rounds 104 and securing them within the unit 100.

When the knob C is turned such that each spring detent 142 is received in the corresponding recess 144 b, the spokes 114 of the retention wheel B are moved to a position midway between the cartridge receptacles 102, such that the spokes 114 move out of engagement with the rims 108 of the munitions cartridges 104, to release the cartridges 104 from the receptacle A. FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate the speed loader 100 herein with the spokes 114 moved to a position disengaging from the rims 108 of the munitions rounds 104 to release them from the unit 100. By providing spring biased detents 142 and complementary depressions 144 a, 144 b, the knob C will click solidly into the desired locked or unlocked position. In preferred embodiments, rounded detents 150 and complementary rounded depressions are employed to facilitate the movement of the detents 150 out of and into engagement with the depressions 144 a, 144 b.

A mechanical stop limiting the degree of rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle member A is provided by pins 150 carried on the knob 130 and corresponding, aligned arcuate grooves or channels 152 formed on the cartridge receptacle A. The pins 150 run in the corresponding aligned grooves 152 to limit the movement of the knob C.

The operation of the speed loader 100 is illustrated by the sequence outlined in FIGS. 7A-7D. In operation, the knob C is rotated until the spokes 114 are at a position intermediate the receptacle 102 and cartridges are placed in each receptacle 102. The knob C is then turned until the spokes 114 engage the rims 108 of the corresponding aligned cartridges 104, retaining them in the receptacles 102. When the spokes 114 engage the cartridge rims 108, each of the detents 142 is aligned with the corresponding one of the depressions 144 a. The bias of the springs 140 urges the detents 142 into the complementary depressions 144 a to secure the knob C in the locked position.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the unit 100 with attached rounds 104 is then lined up with the magazine drum or cylinder 162 of the weapon 160 (see FIG. 8). The cartridges 104 with the speed loader attached are then inserted into the munitions chambers 164 of the magazine 162 (see FIG. 7B). The knob C is then manually rotated relative to the cartridge receptacle member A (see FIG. 7C) and the munitions rounds 104 are released into the respective chambers of the magazine 162. When the knob C is moved into the unlocked position, the spokes 114 are moved to a position intermediate the receptacles 102 and out of engagement with the cartridges 104. The bias of the springs 140 urges the detents 142 into the complementary depressions 144 b to secure the knob C in the unlocked position. The speed loader assembly 100 is then removed from the magazine 162 (FIG. 7D).

The description above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations to some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. In light of the above description and examples, various other modifications and variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the apparatus comprising: a cartridge receptacle having cavities for accommodating the plurality of cartridges wherein the cavities surround a central area; a retention wheel received in the central area and having a shaft extending through an opening in the central area, wherein the shaft defines an axis for rotation of the retention wheel; and a knob rotatably attached to the cartridge receptacle on a side opposite the cavities by a fastener engaging the shaft, wherein the knob is movable and has a locked and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel, and in the unlocked position the cartridges are released from the retention wheel.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retention wheel has a plurality of projections extending radially outward therefrom and capable of engaging the plurality of cartridges.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fastener engages a complementary receptacle on the shaft.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end of the shaft engaging with the fastener has a shape that fits into a keyed receptacle formed on the inward facing surface of the knob.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knob is one or more of notched, fluted, knurled, or textured to enhance a user's grip while rotating the knob.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge receptacle has an upstanding boss on a surface opposite the central area, the upstanding boss received within an aligned, facing, like sized cavity on the knob.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the boss has a central opening for receiving the shaft, and a plurality of openings surrounding the central opening.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of springs, wherein each spring has a proximal and a distal end, and is received into one of the plurality of openings in the boss through the proximal end.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a detent attached to the distal end of each spring of the plurality of springs, and for each spring of the plurality of springs, first and second recesses configured to selectively and removably receive the detent.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the locked position of the knob each detent is received in the first recess and the plurality of projections of the retention wheel engage the plurality of cartridges.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein in the unlocked position of the knob each detent is received in the second recess and the projections of the retention wheel occupy a position between the cavities of the cartridge receptacle out of engagement with the plurality of cartridges.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the detents and the first and second recesses are rounded to facilitate the movement of the detents in and out of the first and second recesses.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a stopping mechanism limiting the degree of rotation of the knob relative to the cartridge receptacle, the stopping mechanism comprising at least one pin on the knob running in a corresponding arcuate channel on the cartridge receptacle.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of cavities in the cartridge receptacle is in the range of 2 to
 12. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of cavities in the cartridge receptacle is
 6. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavities of the cartridge receptacle are sized to accommodate ammunition cartridges having a caliber of about 30-40 millimeters.
 18. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the method comprising: inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cartridge receptacle; turning the knob into a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges with the plurality of projections of the retention wheel; aligning the plurality of cartridges with a plurality of chambers in the magazine and sliding the plurality of cartridges into the plurality of chambers; and turning the knob to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel, and moving the cartridge receptacle away from the weapon.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.
 20. A method of using the apparatus of claim 12 for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the method comprising: inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cartridge receptacle; turning the knob into a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges with the plurality of projections of the retention wheel; aligning the plurality of cartridges with a plurality of chambers in the magazine and sliding the plurality of cartridges into the plurality of chambers; and turning the knob to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel, and moving the cartridge receptacle away from the weapon.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.
 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein turning the knob to the locked position further comprises receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in the first complementary recesses provided on the knob.
 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein turning the knob to the unlocked position further comprises receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in second complementary recesses provided on the knob.
 24. A method for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a revolver style magazine of a weapon, the method comprising: inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cavities of a cartridge receptacle disposed between a turning knob and a rotating wheel, each cartridge having a base end and a tip end, the base end leading the tip end during insertion, wherein the retention wheel is capable of engaging the base end of the cartridge; turning the knob into a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel, aligning the plurality of cartridges with a plurality of chambers in the magazine and sliding the plurality of cartridges into the plurality of chambers; and turning the knob to an unlocked position thereby disengaging the cartridges from the retention wheel, and moving the cartridge receptacle away from the weapon.
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.
 26. The method according to claim 24, wherein engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel comprises engaging a rim present at the base end of each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges by one of a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the retention wheel. 